From Prison to Palace: Joseph’s Story

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-36; 39:1-41:57

Theme: God works all things together for good

Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)

Overview

“God Loves Us Too!” God loves all of us, even tiny babies like you! He calls people to do big things, just like Moses. “God sees you, and He loves you!” Let’s help others feel God’s love today!

Bible Story

God’s Love for Moses

One day, Moses was walking in the desert when he saw a bright bush burning but not getting burned. He thought, “Oh no, the bush is on fire!” and ran to see.

God called to Moses from the bush. “Moses, come closer!” Moses looked and heard the voice say, “I am who I am.” (It means God’s name is love!)

God told Moses, “I see how you care for others. I need you to help me. Tell the people I sent you.” Moses felt small but said, “But who am I? I am not very brave.”

God smiled and said, “I will be with you always. You are my special friend!” He gave Moses a sign: the staff in his hand would turn into a snake when he touches it. Moses did it, and it worked!

Moses asked, “What if they don’t believe me?” God said, “I will give you more signs. You will show them I love them.”

God’s love is strong and always with us, just like He promised Moses. God is our friend, no matter what!

(Why this matters: God loves us too! Just like He sent Moses to help His people, He sends us to show kindness and love to others.)

Activities

  1. Show the “Bush” (5 min): Hold up the yellow paper with glitter and say, “God is like this bush, he shines with love!” Let kids touch it (cup it gently).
  2. Read Bible Verse: Read Exodus 3:4 (“I am who I am”) and “God loves you” (from Moses’ prayer). Sing “God loves you” 2x.
  3. Draw Love: Give crayons; ask, “Draw God’s love!” They color the paper or glue “God loves you” words onto it.
  4. Share Love: Each child whispers “God loves you” to a partner (or hugs them).
  1. Story Time (3 min): Read Exodus 3:5 (“I saw your suffering”) and “God loves you” (from Exodus 3:12). Place a glitter star as the “burning bush” on a table.
  2. Dance & Sing (5 min): Play a song (e.g., “The Bible Story Song”); when it ends, pause and whisper: “God is calling you!” Let kids dance and act like Moses, touching the star.
  3. Hug a Friend: Say, “Just like Moses ran to God, hug someone you love!” Each child hugs a partner.
  4. Praise God: Clap 3x; say, “God loves you so much!” (Repeat 2x.) Hand out stuffed animal to “call” them to God like Moses.
  5. Both activities use God’s love to spark joy, just like the burning bush did for Moses!

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four simple, open-ended questions for babies and toddlers (ages 0, 2) about God’s love and the Burning Bush story from Exodus:
  2. “God said, ‘I see you, and I love you!’ What color is God’s love?” (Let them mimic or point to something colorful.)
  3. “The bush was burning, but it didn’t hurt. How is God like that?” (Wait for their little hands to wave or eyes to sparkle!)
  4. “Moses said, ‘Who am I?’ God said, ‘I’ll help you!’ Who helps you when you feel scared?” (Let them shout, “God!” or point to a grown-up.)
  5. “The bush was hot, but God told Moses to take off his shoes! What shoes do you take off when you run?” (Let them stomp or wiggle, God’s love keeps them safe!)
  6. Tips for Toddlers:
  7. Use repetition (like “I love you too!”).
  8. Let them squeeze, pat, or mimic the words.
  9. End with a hug: “God loves you so much!”

Prayer Focus

“Dear God, You love us always, just like Moses, just like we are today. You hear our cries, just like You heard Moses in the bush. Be near us, hold us, and fill us with Your peace and love. Amen.”

Missions Spotlight

The Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) have preserved ancient traditions about Moses and the Exodus for centuries. Missionaries working in Ethiopia have found that the burning bush story opens doors to share about the God who still speaks today.

To the Cross

God revealed Himself as ‘I AM WHO I AM’, the self-existent, eternal God. Jesus later said, ‘Before Abraham was, I AM’ (John 8:58). The same God who spoke from the bush sent His Son to deliver us from sin.

Teaching Tips

  • Drafting the Tips:
  • Tip 1: Break the Class into Small Groups for Storytelling
  • Tip 2: Handle Hard Questions with Peer Explanation
  • Tip 3: Use Songs and Repetition for Core Concepts
  • Tip 4: Incorporate Sensory Engagement (Touch & Play)

Family Take-Home

In this lesson, God speaks to Moses through a burning bush, revealing His call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses hesitates, but God assures him He will be with him, preparing Moses to fulfill His mission.

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